Final cuts happening. So now what, Texan fans?

Kris Brown gone. Chris Henry gone. No more Jacques Reeves. The final cuts will be listed tomorrow at 3:00 pm but those are reports from Twitter, and the first two confirmed by Gary Kubiak. (Correction: Commenter says that on the radio Kubiak says that Henry is not cut, though Adam Caplan says Henry has been told it will : occur). (Update 9:25 am, Saturday: Here’s John McClain’s article about what he believes is happening: “Texans release Brown, Reeves; plan to sign RB Ward

So who is going to play running back?. You have a healthy Arian Foster, Steve Slaton coming off a sprained toe, Jeremiah Johnson dislocating his toe Thursday night, a cut Henry. My buddy George says he could play running back. He’s pretty quick for a big guy. I bet we could get him to work for beer.

With a more conventional choice, Kubiak confirmed today that the Texans worked out Derrick Ward and Justin Fargas. (Update 9:25 am, Saturday. Reports are that the Texans have signed Ward).

Kubiak also confirmed that Dan Orlovsky is the #2 quarterback, based on the entirety of his camp, and not the two bad choices from the preseason game.

Feel good about a number of things with this team, but not the backup quarterback position or running back depth. The decisions made in the next couple of days with running backs could make a big difference to the Texans’ season.

• • •

Didn’t get to see most of the Texans-Tampa Bay game. Had to stay overnight at Texas Children’s Hospital with a sick kiddo. Pretty scary, but she’s doing better now. I listened to most of the game on radio after we got discharged, and then caught the 4th quarter on TV.

Any observations watching that?

And happy Labor Day weekend everybody. Hope there’s very little laboring involved, and big thanks to all of your folks that have to labor for the benefit of others.

Here’s my question about Orlovsky: If he makes those same two throws, exactly, but the DB drops them, are we even having this discussion about cutting him? Kubiak’s right about this one. You can’t cut a guy based on frustration around two plays.

[The problem isn't two throws. The problem is that giving the ball to the other guys has been an issue for the last two off-seasons. Something that got Rex Grossman promoted to #2. -Steph]

It doesn’t surprise me at at all, the Texans don’t have a clue on how to think ahead, since it was obvious they had no backup QB worth playing in the NFL. Nor did they have any serious thought about the thin RB situation. Smith and Kubiak seem to be imitating Laurel and Hardy. On second thought maybe somebody younger since anybody over 50 probably doesn’t know who L and H are.

[Was just a couple of weeks ago that the Texans had nice depth at running back. Tate then.....-Steph]

Hey, not trying to be nitpicky, and you never make and spelling/grammar mistakes, but you listed Arian Foster as Adrian. I chalk it up to your late night and stay at the hospital with your kiddo, glad to hear your daughter is doing better.

Go Texans!

[Thank you and fixed. Hospitals are good for a lot of things, but yeah, sleep is not one of them. I sometimes think that patients would do better if hospitals put sleep as a higher priority for patients. I've slept in hospitals before, and you really do want to punch people if they come in at 5:00 am to clean the room. -Steph]

Hopefully there will be some decent backs released today and tomorrow. Evidently the Texans think so, or they wouldn’t have released Henry.

It is clear they have an embarrassing amount of riches at the TE position. I’m glad I don’t have to cut any of those guys after the great catches last night!

On Dorin Dickerson, he missed a lot of balls he should have caught.

Orlovsky: Well, I would still pick him over Booty, but not be real happy about it. Booty looked pretty composed back there, even when he was getting pressure. He threw it away when he needed to get rid of it, and didn’t just throw it up for grabs. He made a game out of it in the second half. Hopefully he wont go too far away.

Is D Ward a vested veteran? Kind of surprising to me they would sign him under the circumstances if he has to be paid for the full year if he’s on the week one roster. Or is that a situation where they would/could structure the contract so if he’s cut after week 4 he gets minimal pay after that point.

And does Orlovsky have a picture of Kubiak in a compromising position with a farm animal from his days in College Station? And if you want to keep Booty on the practice squad, why showcase him in last night’s game? I am confused . . . .

[Yes, he is a vested veteran, but they will be signing a new deal with him. I'm not sure they want to keep him on the practice squad. -Steph]

Alas, my superior knowledge of football comes to light yet again……REMEMBER I tried to warn local fans about Jacques Reeves? I said that the Giants planned on going straight at him in the playoff game. I said his faults included not looking for the ball. And I was glad Dallas got rid of him….But noooooooooo. I was accused of being arrogant and should not disparage Houston’s great acquisition…….So how did that guy work out for you?……..LMAO.

So glad to hear your daughter was released from the hospital. Hope she’s up and about in no time!

What are your thoughts on Derrick Ward vs. Ryan Moats? If Moats is available, what qualities does Ward have that outweigh Moats’ familiarity with the system?

[She is an amazingly resilient kid. Doing much better. As for your question, I don't have the information to say for sure, but I'm guessing that they'd want a bigger style back because they already have Slaton and Johnson. -Steph]

Sorry to hear about the scare with the little one. Right about the time I was showing my son the difference between J. Johnson and C. Henry while trying to watch their feet, down goes Johnson. Henry actually looked better than I have seen before, but he is a straight line runner. I’m convinced we’re cursed at the RB position. One thing I was really impressed with, but didn’t see much press on was Casey. That guy is a stud. Dickerson looked great too. His one handed grab made the top plays, but he flattened a guy on another short gain before that. I also just saw that Sage was picked up by the Giants – dang. They talked about how great Booty played, but he was 17 of 37, and 2-3 of his passes could have easily been intercepted. Still, he’s not a bad option at #3. I can’t figure out why the coaches seem sold on Orlovsky. He’s kind of proven what he can do and can’t. Our back-ups on the D-Line looked pretty good too. I hope the ones we just cut can clear waivers.

This year seems like our RB are losing their toes or a leg, hopefully D. Ward plays hungry like in NY.

Although D. Dickerson seems to have legit talent, my question is, has he hit the ceiling unlike Jacoby who seems to pick up extra gear every year.

[Dickerson, like Jones is a very developmental player. Jones was because he was a small school guy...developed his frame late. Dickerson is because he played lots of different positions in school and had to make weight to get in wide receiver shape. What is good about him is that though he tested out as a TE at the combine, his measurables were comparable to the best WRs in the draft in many things. Sick athletic gifts, and check out the YouTubes on what he can do with the longball. Or that one handed grab showed a bit of it. He needs to have better hands and get the route running down to play with this group, but I'd love to see the coaching staff with more time with him. -Steph]

So glad your daughter is well. As for the Texan’s, I know we hear it all the time that most teams would be in trouble if they lost their starting QB, but that statement gives me no warm fuzzy feelings with Orlovsky. John Booty out played Dan Orlovsky last night and everybody knows it. John Booty looked like a QB on a mission who was confident and Orlovsky looked the reverse of that. I am reading at the time of this posting that we have lost any chance of bringing Rosenfels back because the Giants just signed him. I know hindsight is 20/20 but we passed on Thomas Jones who rushed for over 1400 yards in 2009 so we could end up with Derrick Ward ? I would have waited for the total waiver list before I picked up a RB ( Ward ) who was pretty much a BUST last year. Can anyone see Ahman Green # 2 about to repeat itself with Derrick Ward ? Also, Chris Henry ran his butt off for us last night and he gets the same treatment Booty got ? I am going to remain optimistic because Kubes did say ” Don’t be surprised to see 4 to 5 roster moves before Sunday. ” I sure hope one of those he is talking about is a backup QB.

[Doubt it at backup QB position. And though Booty put up nice numbers, it isn't like he was perfect against the Tampa Bay scrubs--batted balls, etc. No comforting backup options. Ward doesn't equal Green--different salary situation. That and Ward is intriguing just because he played on such a poor offense that had very little chance of succeeding. -Steph]

Steph, wtf is wrong with Kubiak and the organization? They are going to put Orlosvsky at the backup spot and put Booty on the practice squad oh I forgot Kubiak said he has had such a great camp so one game does not matter GTFOH Kubiak. I agree its pointless to sign a backup at this point since they have already elected Orlosvsky at that spot and Sage has signed with the Giants so we will see him soon at Reliant. Do you think they kept Orlovsky due to the contract they gave him? Meanwhile they cut Jacque Reeves after they signed him to a huge contract and they said he was a nickel corner and wasn’t great at covering in Dallas. Do you understand why we say they may sign players in free agency but they give the wrong players money in free agency? Dickerson was the only one that impressed me in the game Casey did okay but all the passes where underneath routes so that explains Orlovsky going eight for nine. Did you see what happened when he threw downfield? Lets hope for a good season but God forbids Schaub can’t play one game lets not use we have a backup QB that sucks as an excuse if we struggle, because the Texans never addressed the situation but hell he just may turn into Kurt Warner during the season keep hope alive, Steph. BTW, Steph Kubiak says Ward fits the Texans scheme but when he was a free agent the Texans did not look his way and we needed a back, but now since he was cut he is our guy. Tell me that does not sound cheap to you? Once a player is cut he normally signs at an cheaper rate because he has already hit pay day with the team that has cut him thats pretty obvious huh.

It doesn’t matter who our backup QB is, unless he is the second coming of Kurt Warner. Any team with a top level QB will not make the playoffs if the starter goes down for a long stretch of the season. Indy without Peyton?, Nope. Pats without Brady?, Nope. Saints without Brees?, Nope. So all this wailing and gnashing of teeth about the backup QB is wasted energy. The Texans need Schaub to stay healthy, just like every other playoff contending team needs their QB to stay healthy. The depth at RB was fine heading in to camp, can’t blame the injuries on Kubiak and Smith. Same goes for LB. All in all, like most teams that finished with a winning record last year, the Texans need their stars to stay healthy to win. Kubiak and Smith have given us every the star on the Texans, except Andre, and he is shining in Kubiak’s system with Kubiaks hand picked QB. Kubiak is a good coach, and he is only getting better. The Texans never finished above 7-9 in the 4 seasons before he came, and he has 3 seasons of 8 or more wins in the 4 since. The Texans are on the right track, and I expect them to be in the playoffs this year, and for several years to come, unless injuries decimate our stars.

I love these “Kubiak is the laughingstock of the NFL” comments. Oh really? And you are so plugged in to the NFL….. How??????? Child, puh-leez. Steph, back to your comments I have to admit Kubiak’s faith in Orlovsky is puzzling. However, if I remember correctly a LOT of people were very puzzled over why they would give up so much for a back up quarterback out of Atlanta, too. I guess we have to trust his judgement on this one – and pray Schaub stays healthy so Kubiak has another year to develop/decide on Orlovsky. Sorry about your kiddo, btw. I too have spent a sundown to sun up night at TCH, and also for something doctors couldn’t describe. Scary. CAT scans and ultrasounds are NOT FUN at 3:00 in the morning.

[I think it is fair to wonder about various moves of the Texans, or their evaluations of players. I think some of the over-the-top criticism gets a little silly--I'm more likely to give coaches benefit of the doubt than to believe some commenter who has limited access to the players and the practices. At this point, we wait and watch, and hope that the Texans make some good choices over the next couple of days. -Steph]

We’re not in any different spot at back-up QB than we were before. Schaub goes down, we’re in trouble. Who could we get that any of us would be comfortable with in that situation? Nobody is going to run this offense the way Schaub does.

That said, Orlovsky was in some kind of brain-lock the other night. The first INT was bad but the second one was “what was he thinking?” bad.

The way that play is designed the QB looks at that side and has 2 options in his field of view. Casey was open running in front of Orlovsky for a pretty easy toss and grab that would move the chains. The deep option had 3 defenders, one covering 2 moving that way. He wasn’t really open at all. Orlovsky lofted to him and the safety just stepped in for a really easy pick.

It was a bad decision more than a bad throw, although honestly it wasn’t a good throw either. And it was the kind of play that even if he had completed it Kubiak would have been steamed because he made the wrong read.

Anyway. Schaub is our man. Hope he doesn’t go down. Orlovsky has a couple years with the system and he has good athleticism. And for however many plays Dan-O is in this year we just need to hope he fully engages his brain before putting his arm in gear.

Kris Brown: no brainer, nice of Kubiak to let him audition for other teams….

Chris Henry: ?…. you want your team to be more physical out there and you consider cutting the most physical running back on your team? i dont know football like alot of ya’ll but that dude hits defenders before defenders can hit him….

you let Foster and Slaton wear’m out with their speed and you use a guy like Henry to punish guys to close out the game. noobody would want to tackle that guy if he’s goin in the game fresh late in the 4th quarter…. jus sayin

Dan Orlovsky: you say no big deal two bad bad bad bad picks shouldnt change your mind… B.S !!! He should not be our back-up QB. so what if Schaub goes down and Dan’O gotta take over with the #1′s, if he is throwin the ball to the wrong area he’s gonna get guys like Andre [INJURED !!!]….

a pass too high or thrown behind him is that split second difference from a safety takin your head off. even after the pick guys were tryin to tackle the safety which almost got Henry hurt on that play cause he got hit by his own teammate….

Jacque Reeves: Sherrick just looks like a betterr corner out there Reeves got toasted by a rook?

I’m so glad your daughter is okay. I went through the first four years of my son’s life with him in the hospital almost as much as not, so i can sort of relate.

Now my question. Most people seem to be upset with Kuku choosing Orlovsky over Booty, but i’m more interested as to why he would cut Henry who’s had a great training camp and preseason and give priority to brand new tryouts for Ward and Fargas who don’t have a scintilla of familiarity to our system.

This is long overdue, but thanks to your recommendation I dove into Twitter. It’s awesome . . . wish I’d got into it last year. Oh, well.

One thing, though, it’s so “instant gratification” that all other forms of media have lost their luster to me. Well, all except your blog, but you know what I mean?

Anyway, I almost exclusively use it in a voyeuristic manner. Although I do tweet during Texans games – what a way to encapsulate the gameday experience with all your friends.

Lastly, this weekend should provide at least another couple of interesting moves by Gary and Rick. I expect additions on defense – DT, LB, CB

[Yes! I know exactly what you mean. Twitter is great for immediacy and easily getting news from your cell phone. I decided a while back that there was no point making this blog a breaking news spot because others can do that much better (and as this post illustrates, breaking news can be messy and evolving).. I see the blog as talking about what fans are talking about, pointing people to cool stuff they may have missed, and taking all that news that is amassed out there and trying to figure out what it means. Twitter is terrific as long as you follow people who don't blather about random stuff. It's like a cell phone--you put people's numbers in your phone that you want to hear from regularly. And for those who are interested, you can follow me on Twitter @StephStradley. -Steph]

Steph, glad your child is safe. Been there many times as a single father raising her alone. As far as I’m concerned, Brown should be the kicker over Rackers. Brown has the stronger leg. Watch how many FG’S come up just short over 50 yards out. I’m ok with the DB’S. Time for a change there. On another note, what is your take on goodell reducing the alledged rapists suspension? I’m appalled that goodell would equate the using PEDS is the same punishment. I don’t care how drunk a woman is, no one has the right to force themselves on another human being! Light the Colts up big time TEXANS!

[Rackers barely got a long one in preseason...and he was better on kickoffs..and sometimes players need a new start. We'll see. As for Big Ben, Goodell did what he said: 6 game suspension unless Ben did everything Goodell wanted him to do. That was a difficult situation because he hasn't had any criminal charges against him. -Steph]

I think Kubiak and Smith are doing a great job. This is the best team the Texans have ever had. They’re getting better every year.

When they make these cuts to get the roster down to 53, I think a big part of it is to cut the players they’re confident will make it through waivers unclaimed. They might prefer to have Chris Henry on the active roster over Dickerson but they wouldn’t want to risk Dickerson. We can expect roster adjustments.

I signed up for Twitter last week, and it’s been great. I haven’t sent out a tweet yet, probably never will, but for sports fans it’s totally cool.

[Exactly. It is changing the nature of player-fan interaction. You are right--there is no need to say anything to make Twitter work for you. And it totally saves you from angry boredom when you are stuck in a big long line. -Steph]

And so what we do now is you get your child well Steph, and we root for the Texans that are on the roster, and they have to find a way to BEAT THE COLTS!

[I think she is more recovered from the hospital stay than I am. She's been running around doing great, and I have a crick in my shoulder/neck from sleeping on a daybed and a sleep deficit I haven't recovered from yet. If we could bottle the energy of kids, we could power the world. Very excited about the game next weekend. -Steph]

Looking forward to an exciting year. I can’t imagine having a more talented team. I hope the team is prepared for this season in week 1.

-

Hey, quick question. The “Army Strong” paid advertisement (where they have a former soldier in the stadium so we can all cheer for his bravery) was done during the offense at the TB game. Isn’t this supposed to be something they do when we want everyone alert on defense?

[Man, I can't watch the "Army Strong" thing without tearing up. It would be nice if they did it when the Texans were on defense, but I think they just do it at a specified time in the third quarter. -Steph]

Gotta love the inference from Texans “fans” here on the blog that every other team makes “good decisions” but the Texans.FACT: There are a finite number of NFL-ready quarterbacks out there, and that number is LESS than the total number of teams. Feel fortunate that the Texans have a very (VERY) good No. 1 QB, and stop biotchin’ about the backup.And if you insist on belaboring the point, explain who the team SHOULD have signed, and why.John David Booty did not impress, face it. Maybe Alex Brink?This is an issue for every team. If Peyton Manning goes down this season, the Texans have a clear path to winning the division, for instance.

…So how did that guy work out for you?……..LMAO. –Posted by: COWBOY at September 3, 2010 06:47 PMActually, Reeves did his job despite the trite complaints leveled at him while he was a Texan.Two seasons ago the Texans had all of six INTs – and Reeves accounted for four of them.His release is simply a sign that the Texans’ roster is getting stronger, and “journeyman” players like Jacques Reeves are no longer needed.

In about 10 years, after the Texans have some success and can look back fondly on themselves like a clumsy puppy lost under a big blanket, they are going to remember Kris Brown with some reverence. He saved a couple of 8-8 seasons from 6-10′s, for sure. There was an earlier post from jim on 9/3 at 4:34, who took at shot at Kubes and Smith as failures with planning in regards to the backup qb. Seriously? jim, have you seen the precarious situation in Indy if someone gets a lucky shot on Manning? They are stuck with Curtis Painter, who may be worse than any 3rd stringer I have EVER seen work his way off the Texans roster. In fact, some of the Indy fans I know can’t believe he is in pro football. Take your shots, jim, just be more precise.

[I hope you are right. And yeah, the backup situations at most NFL teams is horrific. -Steph]

Sharpton could the best replacement for Cush in my opinion, he is alot smaller but i think he could get the job done. the kid flies to the football and has great instincts. Meco, Diles, and Sharpton sounds like a fast great tackling LB corps….

i think the Texans are gonna be so locked in on beatin the colts next sunday, but the real task is maintaining that effort for 60 mins for 16 games. they have the talent [which some thought otherwise] to take care of the AFC south just stay consistent Texans…..

Hey Steph. Praise God your daughter is better. I don’t have kids myself, but I remember my mom when I was in the hospital when I was in high school. I can’t imagine the pain. You have my prayers.

As to our rapidly worsening RB situation, the Texans could do worse than picking up Willie Parker. He’s still young and he was a good starter in the league. I don’t know how he matches up to the Texans’ system or what they could get him for, but given that our current RB options are Foster, and, um, wait, there’s Foster and… eeshk.

Former Texans O-line and assistant head coach Alex Gibbs (no relation to the Brothers Gibb) suddenly retired Saturday without announcement. This happens just eight days before the Seahawks’ season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

A spokes person for the Seahawks said the 69-year-old Gibbs is “worn out.”

According to nfl.com, “”A team source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that some players only noticed Gibbs was gone after discovering his office was empty. They were informed the coach was no longer with the team and told it was for “health” reasons.”"

[The health reason reason has been repeated by a number of people on Twitter. I hope the "Angry Little Cherokee" is okay. -Steph]

Maybe Cowboy can explain why the Dallas Cowboys who are starting their 51st season have been sporting a 50th anniversary patch on their uniforms. Is that Arkansas math?

Things that make you go hmmm: After reading AJ Burge’s Texans Secondary you have to wonder how the Texans after drafting (7) CBs in 4 years, signing a $20 million FA, end up starting the 2010 season with 5 CBs who have a total of 13 NFL starts combined. Kubiak says they feel real good about this group. The preseason hasn’t shown the same confirmation of Kubiak’s endorsement. In fact the play of CBs in preseason games this year has not been all that encouraging or that promising.

[Secondary has been an issue with this team since Aaron Glenn, originally acquired and trained by the Jets, left. I think the secondary has been completely turned over since Jon Hoke left as secondary coach.. I think Kubiak is expressing confidence in this group because it isn't like he has any choice. Beggars and choosers. I think that the secondary play is the number one concern going into this season and likely will be an issue, especially if the defensive line can't get consistent pressure or if the starters at safety go down. Most of the league has issues in the secondary because the rule emphasis is designed to maximize offense. That's why experienced corners are overpaid even if they aren't particularly good.-Steph]

I think that the secondary play is the number one concern…especially if the defensive line can’t get consistent pressure.

D-line pressure is exactly equal to the running game on the other side of the ball: everything changes for the better when it’s there. Putting one experienced corner back there (which would be nice), is not nearly as important as getting consistent pressure. If we give starting NFL QBs time to throw, I hope we all have lots of good beer laid in.

Per some of the other blogs: I wonder if the Schobel thing is really dead?

Math lesson for Loopers: 2000 minus 1960= 40 years……..Now add ten years (2010) and guess what number you have?……49?…..51?…Houston fans math intelligence ia about as good as their ability to judge talent.

All of our draft picks made the team this year. Going back to 2006 32/38 have made the team. That is incredible. The only ones that are not on the team are Charles Spencer (inj), Wally Lundy, Fred Bennett, Brandon Harrison, Brandon Frye, and Alex Brink. I can’t think of any team in the league that can say that. It says a lot about what a lack of talent the team had beforehand…but still impressive.

[Or it means that the Texans had a bunch of garbage on their roster before so there was room for a lot of rookies, and maybe now it means they are overly-enamored of their own drafts versus some of the talent that may be available elsewhere. It's easier to make a bad team then one with a bunch of dependable, proven vets. Or maybe they are building a very good team through the draft. Who knows. -Steph]

For that Math wizard cowboy, if you played in 1960, and you played in 2000, then at the end of 2000 you have played 41 seasons. 19X0 thru 19X9 = 10 years, so if you played 1960 – 2009, you have completed 50 seasons, and you are starting your 51st season in 2010.

The Cowboy’s patch is puzzling. It is a big “50″ on a blue star across a ribbon with 1960 on the left and 2010 on the right. I’m sure Jerrah will explain it away somehow and all will then be comforted with his brilliant elucidation. Maybe it is 50 years of Cowboy history being celebrated in 2010? Yeah that’s it.

Reeves was indeed responsible for 4 out of 6 INT’s a couple of seasons ago, but the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” business. Just ask Kris Brown. But when it comes to Jacques Reeves, you must take into account how many points did he prevent, say 4 int’s=a possible 24 points. Then deduct how many TD’s were HIS fault because he never, ever, turns his freaking head as ALL good pass defenders do & you will have his true value. 20-30 points deferred compared to countless TD’s allowed does not make this guy a good choice to keep. He is more of a liability than an asset. That is what Kubes & Smith saw & they have finally had enough.

I guess you forgot about a guy name ” Ray Childress ” who wasn’t good enough to play in Houston anymore but either could play for the Cowgirls or sell pickup trucks in Hempstead Tx or maybe how Aaron Glenn was all finished in Houston but the Girls picked him up. Remember those ? Remember how the Texans beat the girls a few days ago ? Oh, I forgot, Wade is going to play nothing but 2nds and 3rds a few weeks from now so you don’t have to run away and hide.

_________________________________________________

RE: “Texans’ players getting stronger and players like Reeves are no longer needed”….Yep…That’s why Dallas got rid of him. Couldn’t make the Cowboys but good enough to play for Houston…..

RE; “Ray Childress”….Glad you brought him up. He was a Houston icon that Dallas picked up and all he could do for the Cowboys was “Ride the Pine” ……Never good enough to start and never amounted to anything but a backup….And how did you enjoy Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson?